Presentation by Utahns Against Common Core

Principal: 'I was naive about Common Core'

"Here's a powerful piece about how an award-winning principal went from being a Common Core supporter to an opponent. This was written by Carol Burris, principal of South Side High School in New York. She was named the 2010 New York State Outstanding Educator by the School Administrators Association of New York State. She is one of the co-authors of the principals’ letter against evaluating teachers by student test scores, which has been signed by 1,535 New York principals."

 

Please take some time to read this important piece > HERE

(Let's not be naïve either)

 

Artistic Merit for Washington!

Finally!  Our new flag is delightful!

The new State of Washington Emblem was released Friday the 29th after several months of anxious gossip and half-confirmed rumors in the Seattle graphic designer community.  With discussion primarily ranging around which of the "leaked" design elements may actually be included or not and what would be most appropriate and topically relevant symbols to use to summarize the commerce and lifestyle of the residents of the state, the final look for the emblem has been confirmed.

 

The Department of Conceptual Properties (DCP) on Capital Hill has unveiled the newly selected emblem for the State of Washington.  Referred to as the "Washington Renew" emblem by DCP, the image is a fairly complicated composition, working many design elements into the overall piece.  

John Ji-hun Kims of DCP suggests that "The residents of the great State of Washington will be excited to see their new, fresh State Emblem.  We have used an active Community Opinion and Involvement Process via Twitter and Facebook to really embrace the understanding of what it is like to be a resident in that state.  Most important to our contributors, were the golden wheat fields, lakes, and the impressive hydroelectric capabilities of Central Washington, and the prestige forests and soaring mountains of Coastal Washington.  Our design captures all of those elements, and more importantly, the pride and strength of Washingtonians in general!"  Utilizing a silent vocabulary of colors, shapes and typography, DCP logo designers have given a visual identity to the people and companies of all types.

The fifteenth new State Emblem unveiled by DCP, response has been strong.  Opinions about the controversial flag rebranding process aside, I am pleased with this emblem, at least aesthetically.  Somehow familiar, it nonetheless provides a unique summation of how we as Washingtonians contribute our strength to our prosperous and great country.  The familiar green field of the Washington flag will stay the same, with the strong leader George Washington being only slightly reduced in size within the composition of the flag.  The "Washington Renew" flag will not take effect until November 5th, 2013, when it will replace the familiar "Gilbert Stuart" flag in a formal ceremony in Olympia.

Yours in Red, White, and New,

Uncle James

Online Registration for our LDD is Closed

Online Registraton for our Lincoln Day Dinner is now closed.

 

 

Our Lincoln Day Dinner - March 22

 

This is one example of why I love Abraham Lincoln.

 

If you haven't registered online for our Lincoln Day Dinner that is coming up this Friday, March 22, you still have time today. Please go to our homepage > HERE for all the details.

 

We are looking forward to highlight all the wonderful auction items that our community has come together to donate. You may browse some of those items > HERE  and go over our listed items > HERE

 

We also can't wait to introduce our wonderful keynote speaker this year. Mia Love!

 

 

With her busy schedule as Mayor of Saratoga Springs, UT, she is taking the time to come here.. Franklin County. She is not demanding royal treatment or asking for only green M&M's, she is coming because she is ready to lead this country down a better path. It is a sincere desire that you can not purchase. She understands family, character, and what it is going to take to get back that American spirit that we all are missing very much. I am so grateful that she accepted the invitation to speak at our Lincoln Day Dinner.

These are some of the reasons why I love Mia Love.

The hours spent in making this event top notch by our FCRCC committee,  has been an example to me of their sincere fortitude to serve this county to the best of their ability. Chairman Brad Peck has set some very high standards for our Franklin County Central Committee and is continually thinking on how best we can serve our community in all aspects. This committee if fully aware that their volunteer work goes beyond politics. "Malice towards none with charity for all."

Hours and hours of phonecalls, running around,  and planning for our Lincoln Day Dinner by Vice Chairwoman Stephanie Swanberg, has proven her leadership abilities. James and Pam Follansbee's work on our FCRCC website and their endless hours in helping organizing this event, has been an example of how there are many able's in the world but few willing. They are willing without asking for much in return.

The members of this committee are doing their part and it hasn't gone unnoticed..  I am grateful to know each and every one our committee members.

 

  "Let us strive to finish the work we are in.." ~ Abraham Lincoln

 

Mia Love - CPAC 2013

Mandatory Background Checks For Guns Die

A proposal to expand background checks on Washington state gun sales has failed in the state House. Democratic Rep. Jamie Pedersen of Seattle said Tuesday night he was unable to corral the 50 votes necessary to pass the bill through the chamber. Pedersen says he was disappointed by the result, coming even after he agreed to add a referendum clause to the bill.

Gun buyers currently must undergo a background check when they purchase a weapon from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Pedersen's proposal would have extended background checks to cover private gun transactions. 

Maureen Walsh was one of two Republicans who signed onto the measure to require background checks for all gun sales. She says she did so thinking it sounded like a reasonable response to the Newtown, Connecticut school shooting. But soon after, the eastern Washington Republican says the National Rifle Association lit up her district with a campaign piece.

It happened while she was in Cincinnati dealing with the death of her brother. “Suddenly this hit piece came out from the NRA on me," Walsh says. "So I was already down and that really kicked me down and then I started getting numerous emails and letters and calls – probably over a thousand – from folks in my district who were very, very dismayed about my support over that bill.”

Walsh said the reaction forced her to think deeply about the issue. She concluded that universal checks will just make it harder for law-abiding gun owners.

Without her vote, the prospect of passing the background check measure in the Washington House was a lot tougher.

Please reread FCRCC Chairman Brad Peck's exchange with Maureen Walsh > Here , and realize that all of our emails, calls, and letters made a difference! Thank you.

Common Sense About Guns

 

Rep. Walsh Supports Additional Gun Control

Rep. Maureen Walsh supports additional gun control in Washington state. 

Rep. Maureen Walsh (16th Dist.) recently co-sponsored HB1588, an anti-gun measure disguised as a background check bill. 

I sent her a message on Feb. 12 objecting to HB1588. (See that message below.) 

On February 20 I received a canned email reply that she sent to people who objected to her anti-gun activity. (Also below). 

Rep. Walsh recently posted a statement on her website about her support of HB1588 in which she says she has now changed her mind. Regardless of her decision to run away from HB1588… I cannot ignore the fact that she co-sponsored this legislation in the first place. Her email below clearly shows that she understands the political risks of sponsoring anti-gun legislation…yet she did so anyway. 

 …which reveals the underlying truth that Rep. Walsh is willing to support - and even sponsor - additional gun control legislation in Washington state.

Frankly, I don't know which concerns me more…the idea that she supports more gun control…or that she would co-sponsor anti-gun legislation that she now admits she did not fully understand.

Please read the correspondence below so you can evaluate both sides of this issue for yourself.

Brad Peck Chair, FCRCC

On Feb. 12, I sent the following message to Rep. Maureen Walsh regarding her co-sponsorship of HB1588.

Dear Representative Walsh: I was disappointed to see your name among the sponsors of House Bill 1588, a measure perhaps well-intended but clearly not well considered. As a co-sponsor you know 1588 would require universal background checks for all firearms transfers, apparently even including transfers among spouses and domestic partners. 

The Bill refers to applications to purchase a firearm. This language makes background checks synonymous with asking the government for permission (application) to buy a firearm. The difference is more than semantics; requiring state permission to possess a firearm infringes on state and federal rights to keep and bear arms. 

Your support of this bill violates section 11 of the Washington State Republican Party Platform. It also conflicts with the Franklin County Republican Central Committee platform. 

More significantly, it will not deter criminals from obtaining and using firearms. It will however, increase the value of firearms sold in illegal transactions on our streets further promoting and encouraging illegal street transactions, and enriching those who chose to break the law in that manner. The parallels with prohibition and the modern drug trade are obvious. 

Suggestions that all transactions at gun shows are exempt from background checks are incorrect. Many, and perhaps most of the transactions at gun shows are done by dealers – with background checks completed - before transferring a firearm. If you feel some compulsion to do something about the illegal use of firearms, why not sponsor a bill requiring harsh mandatory sentences for people convicted of committing serious crimes involving firearms? 

Lastly, I see nothing in the proposed bill that requires a background check to be completed within a specified period of time. A law enforcement official seemingly has discretion to delay checks at will. Should the woman seeking a firearm for personal protection be so delayed? If we can save even one such person from being assaulted or murdered, shouldn't we do so by protecting, rather than limiting her access to a personal defense firearm? 

Brad Peck Chair, Franklin County Republican Central Committee

Rep Walsh sent this canned reply to me and others who had written her about HB1588. 

> I did sign on to HB1588 with the belief that it simply addressed an inequity (loophole) in the law concerning background checks at some gun shows. Although the bill has been amended to address some of the concerns of gun owners across the state, I have really come to realize that no legislation will ever address the criminal element as far as guns are concerned. Thus the bill only targets (no pun intended) lawful gun owners and the application of the law would not be logical. I will not be supporting the bill and thank all the folks who wrote to me with their concerns. Their comments were very helpful to me in discerning this issue. 

Maureen

This item is currently posted on Rep Walsh's website: 

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Like you, I am shocked and saddened by the murders that have occurred in our country. The slaughter of innocent children in Newtown, Conn. still continues to haunt me as my heart aches for the families of the victims. People suffering with mental illness are responsible for these horrific deaths, and no legislation will ever be able to prevent all of them. 

The state Legislature is carefully considering several approaches to addressing gaps in our current laws that could help prevent some of these mass shootings. School and public safety is the goal, and there are many facets to the cause of these horrific events. Mental health is certainly a component, as well as a lack of enforcing our current laws. 

As many of you know, I did sign on to House Bill 1588 with the belief that it simply addressed an inequity (loophole) in the law concerning background checks at some gun shows. Although the bill has been amended to address some of the concerns of gun owners across the state, I have really come to realize that no legislation will ever address the criminal element as far as guns are concerned. Thus the bill only targets (no pun intended) lawful gun owners and the application of the law would not be logical. I will not be supporting the bill and thank everyone who wrote to me with their concerns. Your comments were very helpful to me in discerning this issue. I am honored to serve as your state representative. 

Sincerely,

Maureen Walsh

Mia Love To Address CPAC's 40th Anniversary

Republican Mia Love, the small town mayor from Utah who catapulted onto the national scene with a House campaign that fell just short in 2012, will address next month’s Conservative Political Action Conference, the American Conservative Union announced Thursday. “In honor of our 40th anniversary, we are highlighting a series of young leaders who were born around the time or after the first CPAC was held,” ACU Chairman Al Cardenas said in a statement. The ACU hosts the annual conservative confab in Washington, D.C.

 

Love, the 37-year-old mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah, and daughter of Haitian immigrants, lost a close race in November to conservative Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson (Utah). Had she won, Love would have become the first black Republican woman elected to Congress. She hasn’t closed the door on the prospects of a future congressional bid.

 

We are honored that Mia Love will be our keynote speaker at our annual FCRCC Lincoln Day Dinner coming March 22, 2013 at the Red Lion Hotel.. For more information on how you can listen to her at our Lincoln Day Dinner and where you can buy registration tickets online.. Go > HERE

 

News Clips For Feb. 19

State Legislature: 

Morning update: Session Day 37 – Tacoma News Tribune 

Misstep in gun bill could defeat the effort – Seattle Times 

The wisdom of Gov. Jay Inslee: Inslee-isms – Seattle Times 

Legislative Review for Monday, February 18, 2013 – TVW

National:
GOP leaders slam Obama sequester speech – Politico
Rubio, White House spar over immigration – The Hill
GOP Senators waiting for President Obama's outreach – Politico
Supreme Court to hear RNC suit challenging campaign finance limits – The Hill

Sent from FCRCC Chairman Brad Peck
(via) Keith Schipper, WSRP Communications Director

News Clips for Feb. 12

State Legislature:

WA Senate OKs $544 million for K-12 construction – Seattle Times

Legislators want to use pot money for preschool programs – Tacoma Tribune  

Inslee: ‘Disruptive change’ turns to predictable continuity – Seattle PI

Legislative Review for Monday, February 11, 2013 – TVW

National:

Obama to use State of the Union to make case against spending cuts – The Hill

GOP SOTU talking points – Politico

Fun facts about State of the Union address – Washington Post

Republican Senators threaten Chuck Hagel filibuster – Politico

North Korea nuclear test branded 'serious threat' to US – BBC

Pelosi 'ridiculous' for saying government has no spending problem – The Hill  

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers:
GOP launching SOTU website – Politico
House committee OKs bill for conduit projects – Bellingham Herald
GOP's Latino outreach campaign includes tweeting in Spanish– Huffington 

Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler:
Pros, cons of going less postal – Longview Daily News

Sent from FCRCC Chairman Brad Peck
(via) Keith Schipper, WSRP Communications Director
 

FCRCC's Lincoln Day Dinner

Rising Republican Star to Speak in Pasco (Pasco, Wash.) -- Mia Love, nationally recognized conservative and mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah will keynote the Franklin County Republican’s Lincoln Day Dinner on Friday, March 22 at the Pasco Red Lion hotel. 

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to parents of Haitian descent, Love is known for her enthusiastic defense of conservative principles, family values, and the Bill of Rights.

As mayor of one of Utah’s fastest growing cities, and candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, Love gave a powerful speech at the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. Her remarks focused on the need for individual responsibility and self-reliance, and the importance of unity across all gender, social, and economic lines.  

“We are delighted to have Mia as our keynote speaker. Her respectful, yet unapologetic defense of honest conservative values is absolutely consistent with the leadership displayed by the event’s namesake, President Abraham Lincoln,” said FCRCC chairman Brad Peck.  

Mia Love speaking at the 2012 Republican National Convention.

Tickets are available from FCRCC committee members or on the FCRCC website > HERE

The event begins with a 5 p.m. social hour and jazz ensemble, followed by dinner and a dessert dash, silent and live auctions, remarks by Representative Doc Hastings, and the keynote address by Mia Love.

The Lincoln Day Dinner is an annual event dedicated to honoring Abraham Lincoln, the nation’s first Republican president and the conservative values for which he stood.

FCRCC, February 11, 2013, Contacts:

Brad Peck, Chair - 509-727-2808 - LBP@charter.net  

Stephanie Swanberg, Vice-Chair - 509-547-7968 - swanberg8@gmail.com

News Clips for Feb. 11

State Legislature: 
Legislative items to watch this week: education, business, and guns – Seattle Times
House committee moves to kill differential tuition – Seattle Times
As gun laws debated, state capitol welcomes firearms – Associated Press
Senate to consider school bonds – Tacoma News Tribune
Legislative Review from the week of February 4-8, 2013 – TVW

National: 
Hagel committee vote Tuesday – Politico
GOP looks to rebrand as new Internet freedom fighters – Politic

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers: 
Conservatives feel the optimism at Heritage Retreat – Roll Call
The week ahead: All eyes on Obama for climate agenda – The Hill

Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler: 
Lawmakers seek to slash their salaries – The Hill

Sent from FCRCC Chairman Brad Peck
(via) Keith Schipper,  WSRP Communications Director

The Lincoln Day Dinner Website Is Up

The Lincoln Day Dinner website is up and running---ready to accept > Donations for Door Prizes, Auction Items, and Grand Prizes. The website also highlights the Lincoln Day Dinner speakers which includes our keynote speaker > Mia Love.

 

> The Online Registration accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit cards for the Lincoln Day Dinner.

 

If you need hard copy forms for Donations or Mail-in Registrations, those forms are available off of the 'Auction' page and 'Registration' page, respectively.

 

Check out the > 'Dessert Dash' page for some animated fun!

 

Besides the regular FCRCC website at http://www.franklincountyrepublicans.org ,

you may find the following new web address easier to type:

 

http://www.fcrcc.info  (goes to the regular Franklin County Republican Central Committee website)

 

http://www.LincolnDay.info (goes directly to the Lincoln Day Dinner website)

Best regards,

Jim Follansbee, webmaster@franklincountyrepublicans.org

News Clips for Feb. 8

State Legislature:
GOP hopes to enshrine Washington's anti-tax rule – Seattle Time

Washington state Sen. Litzow looks to eliminate schools' half-days – Oregon Live
Review for Thursday, February 7, 2013 – TVW

Rep. Doc Hastings:

A dilemma in D.C. - Columbia Basin Herald

National:

The Fix's first rankings of the 2016 GOP presidential field – Washington Post
Rand Paul: Hillary Clinton “inexcusable” - Politico

Sent from FCRCC Chairman Brad Peck

(via) Keith Schipper, WSRP Communications Director
 

Our Annual FCRCC Lincoln Day Dinner Mar. 22

We are excited about our upcoming Lincoln Day Dinner on March 22nd at the Red Lion Hotel. Look who is our Keynote Speaker this year.. Mia Love!! A rising star in the Republican arena. Learn more about Mia Love > HERE! For a little fun, here is a recipe that she recently shared on twitter/facebook :) Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies (Delish)

For easy online registration and information for our Lincoln Day Dinner, please click > HERE to go directly to our FCRCC Homepage..

Bank Reale

Bank Reale in Pasco, WA, has given such generous service in providing their banking and conference room for our Franklin County Central Committee meetings and needs. In recognition of their service, Curt Mohr invited Bank Reale's CEO, Dennis Gisi, to our Dec. 4th meeting to be presented with a US flag that was brought to them from Doc Hastings that once flew over the US Capitol Building in Washington DC. 

Dennis Gisi accepted the flag graciously and proceeded to share how Bank Reale got its name from the initial Spanish settlers and the monies they used. The flag has been placed on Reale's conference room wall. 

 

Special thanks to Bank Reale for their continued service, to Doc Hastings for bringing the flag to them from DC, to Curt Mohr for the presenting, and to Les Storms for framing the flag beautifully.

I will get a picture of the flag to share on our blog..

A Thanks From Curtis Mohr

Franklin County Republicans,

A heart felt thank you to the 2011-12 Franklin County Republican Central Committee (FCRCC). A special thank you to the those who participated on the FCRCC Executive Committee: Brandie Didier, Brenda High, John Talbott, Greg Beeler, Joan Larsen, Gloria Fitzgerald, Jesse McFarland, Jan Barron, Alecia Greenaway and Stephanie Swanberg. Other Franklin County Republicans also contributed extensively to our successes: The Didier family for outstanding Lincoln Day Dinners, Brad Peck for chairing the convention, Steve Marks and Bob Koch for chairing successful caucuses, Jim and Pam Follansbee for a whole variety of supportive tasks, John Hughlett for arranging meeting venues, John Pietrusiewicz for monitoring polls and a whole host of others who stepped forward voluntarily and helped with all of the above… and, oh yes, Nadine, for all the stuff I probably would have overlooked. 

To the 2013-14 FCRCC you are to be congratulated for electing a talented and dedicated new leadership team. I hope it will suit each of you to attend every possible FCRCC meeting and step forward to help when needs present themselves. When you are unable to attend a meeting, do the courtesy of letting the leadership know. Your leadership can’t function when there is no quorum. You each represent your neighbors in your precinct. Please consider representing them well with your attendance and participation. I intend to be there most of the time and hope to see you there also. I already sense and fully expect the 2013-14 FCRCC to achieve greater successes in all respects than the 2011-12 team. 

My thanks to you all,

Curtis Mohr, retiring Chairman
2011-12 Franklin County Republican Central Committee

Thank you, Curtis :)

New FCRCC Board Members Elected

New FCRCC Board Members Elected

The Franklin County Republican Central Committee held its biennial organizing meeting December 4, at Bank Reale in Pasco. 

The nominating committee presented a slate of officers who were elected unanimously by a quorum of elected Precinct Committee Officers present at the meeting. There were no nominations from the floor despite three calls for additional nominations.

The 2013-2014 FCRCC officers elected are Brad Peck, Chair; Stephanie Swanberg, Vice-Chair; Brenda High, State Committeewoman; Brad Gregory, State Committeeman. Following the elections Chairman Peck appointed individuals to the following positions: Brad Hansen, Executive Secretary; Gloria Fitzgerald, Recording Secretary; Joan Larsen, Treasurer; Jan Barron, Communications Chair and Webmaster; Brenda High, Voting Records Committee Chair; Curtis Mohr, Finance Chair; Patrick Gettner, Precinct Coordinator and Legislative Chair; Taylor Taranto, Outreach Chair; and Brad Gregory, Platform Committee Chair. 

The next meeting of the FCRCC is slated for Tuesday December 18 at 7 p.m. at Bank Reale in Pasco.

We look forward to serving our community.

Michael Baumgartner Stopped By..

Michael Baumgartner when he was addressing a roomful of phonebankers in Tri-Cities. ~ Diego

Michael Baumgartner came by our Victory Office today. He is very upbeat and understands the needs of this state and also of this country! His campaign manager served twice in Iraq. I had a lady on the phone while he was there that had just cast a vote for Baumgartner.. I yelled it out to him, and he grabbed the phone and thanked her :) 

Michael Baumgartner In Kennewick Today

US Senate candidate, Michael Baumgartner, will be in Kennewick today at 4415 W. Clearwater, around 4:30pm. Come by and meet the person that we hope will be replacing Sen. Maria Cantwell..

FYI: 20,000 + calls made in 2 days from our Victory Office! Thanks..

A Shout Out to Franklin County

The ballot return numbers for Franklin County are really looking good and we need to keep the momentum going :) Thank you so much to all you early ballot return residents! Our ballot boxes keep filling up to the brim! I hope you realize how much you will impact the results for WA state on Nov. 6. 

Tell everyone you know to get out the vote and return their ballots ASAP.. for the list of Franklin County ballot drop-off boxes (that don't require postage) is > HERE

4 Ways To Help

An Invite For Hastings Victory Party

Friends, 

I'm emailing you to let you know that Doc (Hastings) has set up his victory party for election night! We will be having our event at the Shilo Inn in Richland. It will start at 7:00pm.  I thank you all for everything you have done to make me look good this election cycle - the volunteer recruitment, the personal time and effort that you've each put in and all the blood and sweat that you've given, not only to your candidate(s) that you love, but to the party. We have all been in this together for the past months (or years, in some of your cases) and you all are a wonderful group of individuals to have met. Thank you again and let's celebrate together on election night!

I'll make one more plug that if you have ANY time to come into the Victory Office and make calls, we now have 20 phones that need filling instead of 15. Every time you call someone, there's an opportunity to get a vote in the bucket that may have forgotten about mailing it in, filling it out, etc. I can use everyone's help these last 7 days and I thank you again. 

 Earning Victory, 

 -- Brad Hansen,  Friends of Doc Hastings
509-595-4683, brad@dochastings.com
4415 West Clearwater Avenue Kennewick, WA 99336

McKenna - Wednesday at the Victory Office

This Wednesday at 10:00am until 11:00am at 4415 W Clearwater Ave, Kennwick,  Rob McKenna will be stopping by the Tri-Cities for a rally. Come show your support!

Brave Forces

Sentinels brave forces of Hurricane Sandy to stand guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.. God Bless! To our friends on the East Coast > Prayers are being lifted on your behalf.

Oct. 29 Is Deadline For In-Person Registration

This is it folks. In Franklin County, this is the last day to register to vote. If you know someone that is in need of registering, take them down to the County Auditor's Office and help them register and then encourage them to vote right there at the office. 

The Franklin County Auditor's Office is located at 1016 N. 4th Ave., Pasco, WA. I have been hearing some good outcomes here in the County :) Keep up the good work. 

Also consider volunteering at our Victory Office located at 4415 W. Clearwater, Kennewick, WA this week. The internal numbers are fantastic. We need to keep up the momentum and spread this work around the state.


Contacts:  Kevin (509) 301-0170,  Brad Hansen (509) 595-4683,  Diego (509) 831-9297

We Deserve...

The American people deserve to know all the facts surrounding the terrorist attack in Benghazi on September 11, 2012, that resulted in the murder of four Americans—including Ambassador Chris Stevens. Unfortunately, you and your senior administration officials have not been forthcoming in providing answers to the many questions that have emerged. ~ 4 Senators

Mitt Romney in a Private Moment

"A crowd is waiting in Cedar Rapids, Iowa airport hangar on October 24th. The airplane door is open, the steps docked and ready for deplaning. While being introduced, Governor Mitt Romney takes a private moment before facing the crowd." - Eric Draper, White House and Romney photographer.

Message From Kirby Wilbur

Romney Gallup Numbers Best Since 1936 - WA Times

As we go into our next-to-last weekend, I thought I would pass on this article pertaining to the national race. Also, we met with Rob's folks this morning and things are looking pretty good. The polls look good and the trend is in the right direction. And, for those of you who got Caleb's email on our GOTV, you know we are over 880,000 phone contacts and he has bumped up the number of planned contacts by another 300,000 +/-, not counting our door-to-door contacts.

More. More calls, more walking, more hours, more checks, simply more. We need to accelerate our efforts. The momentum we see is proof that what we are doing is working, and we need to do more of it. This is not the time to relax, slow down or get confident. The time to relax is Wednesday, November 7th. And, if we do this right, there will be a minimal need for ballot-chasing because our margin of victory will be wide. More. Don't stop. Victory in 11 days. Thank you for all you have done and will do. 

Kirby Wilbur

In-Person Registration & Ballot Drop Boxes

Monday is the last day for in-person voter registrations for the Nov. 6 general election.  The deadline already has passed for mail-in or online registrations. The only way residents can register now is by visiting Franklin County Auditor's office. Franklin County's is located at the Courthouse, 1016 N. Fourth Ave., Pasco.

Example of a Ballot Drop Off Box (This one is at TRAC)

All ballots must be dropped off or post-marked by 8pm Nov. 6. The list of Pasco drop off boxes can be found > HERE

Waving For Romney Event Saturday

Hello again!

I just got some breaking news from the ROMNEY campaign!!! The momentum is catching on, and we are now just 4 points down in WA!!!!!!! (It's an internal poll that has reached "likely" voters and not just "registered" voters.) I can't believe it!! I am so excited and happy right now! We've moved five points in a week and a half!! This state is now within reach!! Our efforts are making a difference!! Yippeee!! 

Our sign waving event was a huge success last Saturday!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all those who came out to support ROMNEY/RYAN. We were so energized by the support we received from the drivers. The honks, waves, thumbs up, and cheers made us want to do it again!!! People stopped to join us, share their enthusiasm, and see how they could help. I feel the momentum sweeping the state - and it feels great! 

Please join us on Sat. Oct. 27, from 9am-10am. We will meet at Lowe's (Pasco) in the northeast corner of the parking lot. 

We will wave signs on the corners of the road 68 and Burden intersection. I will be giving out t-shirts, bumper stickers, and yard signs to anyone that joins us. Invite your friends, bring your kids, wave your flag, wear your red, white, and blue, and let's get this country back!!! You guys are the best! 

Stephanie Swanberg - 546-1613 

This is the last event that we will have before the election........ 11 days - let's make it count.

John Riggins Fundraiser For Clint Didier - Today

NFL Hall of Fame Legend John Riggins, MVP of Super Bowl 17 will be hosting a Fundraiser for Your Next Commissioner of Public Lands, CLINT DIDIER at the Benton-Franklin County Fairgrounds Thursday, Oct 25th at 6:30pm..  Tickets at the door are only $25.  Coaches and Students w/ASB FREE.  Amazing Hors d'oeuvres, No Host Bar Door Prizes, Games, Auction Champion Camille Booker, 2011 Int'l Auctioneer of the year will be calling the auction Special Guests TBA.

Elway Poll Via Kirby Wilbur

The new Elway poll came out today. I want to share with you some of the encouraging numbers within it. In the Governor’s race, Rob is up 2 points among likely voters, 47-45%, with 8% undecided and a 5%+/- margin of error. This is a shift back toward Rob and there is more good news I believe when we examine the internals. The voter sample is 36%D, 32%R and 32%I, which I believe is a bit more D than the electorate. To quote from the poll “ McKenna supporters seem somewhat more comfortable with their candidate than do Inslee supporters.” 30% of Inslee voters cited him being a D was the primary reason they supported him, whereas 18% of Rob’s supporters cited him being a Republican. 

Now, let me quote two other lines from the poll: “ Blue Tide Ebbing – Voters Look Toward Republicans” and “Republicans Gain As Voters Shift Away From Democrats”. Women identifying as Republicans went up 11% and those identifying as Democrats went down 13%, in what Elway called a “ remarkable shift, OUTDOING ( emphasis mine ) a similar shift seen in national surveys.”. And, in five statewide races ( AG, Sec of State, Auditor, Lt Gov and Gov ), Elway notes a “net shift of 10 points toward the Republicans” in the last month. Then Elway notes, in perhaps the most important sentence in the poll, that the late deciders, those who haven’t voted yet, will determine the outcome of these races. 

Re-read the above two paragraphs, then pause and think about what it means. It means momentum is on our side. It means the campaigns and the phone banks and the door-to-door efforts are working. What you are doing is getting results. And we have to keep that momentum going for just 13 more days. We need to accelerate our efforts. We need to call more, walk more, give more. You can be assured that the Democrats can read polls too and they will intensify their efforts if they think they are losing their grasp, after 30 years, on state government. We can’t assume it’s won and relax, not for a single moment. Now is the time to pick up the pace and do more. The magnitude of our efforts must meet or exceed the magnitude of what is at stake on November 6. ~ Kirby Wilbur

Our Victory Office is Still Open

Our Victory Office is located at 4415 W. Clearwater, Kennewick. The office hours are M-F, 9am to 9pm. It is there for volunteers to make phone calls to voters, pick up signs, sport some merchandise.. IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE..

I sort of chuckle when I think of the location of our Victory Office. It is located in the 'Crossroads' Mall.. 

Our country is at the crossroads as well.. Let's win..

And the Crowds Gathered in CO

A Tri-City Herald Editorial For Brad Peck

The Tri-City Herald made an error with an editorial that was writtern for the running candidate, Franklin County Commissioner Brad Peck. They titled it > Benton County: Peck.. (which should have been really titled for Mark Faith.. who is also running for Franklin County Commissioner, but lives in Benton County.) So I will title it right.

Franklin County: Peck

On behalf of the Home Builders Association of Tri-Cities, I am proud to ask Franklin County voters to join us in support of Brad Peck for Franklin County commissioner. 

Brad has served Franklin County and the entire region well in the last four years. He has stood up for small business by opposing oppressive regulations such as school impact fees. He understands that such regulations actually make it harder for an average, hard-working person to be able to buy and home and realize the American Dream. 

Brad believes in listening to and serving the voters who elected him and he always does his research on issues facing the county. Please join myself and other association members in voting for Peck for Franklin County commissioner.

LouAnn Burton, Pasco

Rob McKenna: The Clear Choice

Message From Kirby Wilbur

Excerpt: We are a mere 15 days away from election day. We have even less time here in Washington to get out the vote since we vote by mail and many have already sent in their ballots.

I want to stress that the most important thing we can do to win is man the phone banks. This is the key, the heart and soul of our Victory/GOTV effort. Victory didn’t leave early, didn’t pull out in October this year, because it is OUR Victory effort. With the funds provided by our donors and the leadership exhibited by Peter and Caleb, this is OUR effort, we own it. That OUR includes all of you; we provided the framework, the infrastructure, now you all have to help provide the volunteers.

Phones don’t make calls on their own, precincts don’t get walked by ghosts. It will be too late to wake up on November 7 and say ‘I should have’. There are supplemental efforts being conducted in our state. There is a robocall effort in some areas, and there are third party groups like the Tea Party who are flying in people from around the country and walking key districts with voter information packets.

All of these efforts will add up to us winning, if we do our part by identifying our voters and turning them out to vote. That’s why the phone banks at the Victory Centers need to be the focus of our efforts. I want to thank all of you who are working so hard and are so dedicated to our efforts. Keep it up, accelerate, recruit new folks to help, get them involved. 

We need callers and walkers. Momentum is with us and we need to keep it going our way. Take a minute to pause in what you are doing and take a big, deep breath. Can you smell that? That’s the smell of impending victory. 15 days til liberation. Kirby

Vote For Mary Ruth Edwards

Mary Ruth Edwards

Rob McKenna at Victory Office Oct. 31st

Curtis Mohr, 

I want to give you a heads up on whats going on next week. Rob McKenna will be on a RV tour across the state and is scheduled to stop at the Kennewick Victory Office on Oct. 31st at 10am. It will the last stop for Rob in the area to rally the troops. We would be honored to have you, the central committee, and all the PCOs attend. 

Let me know if you have any questions. 

Thanks! Diego Trejo

Third Presidential Debate

Updates

RNC News: Heading into the final weeks of the 2012 campaign, the Republican National Committee announced that it raised $48.4 million in the month of September and has $82.6 million in the bank. The Democratic National Committee, meanwhile, took $10.5 million in loans and raised less than half the RNC’s total last month — $20.3 million. 

Kirby Wilbur News:  (Went to) Kennewick, where the office was packed with volunteers and constantly busy with folks coming in for materials and to make calls. Brad and Diego are doing a really good job keeping Kennewick humming. What I learned is that there is a high level of enthusiasm across the state, a sense that this is our year, that this election is important, and people know that. The dedication of our county officers and victory center staff is incredible. The people I met, the activity I saw, was so encouraging to me. Let’s keep it up, let’s put the pedal to the metal in the time we have left. This is not the time to let up in our efforts, or make any assumptions about how the election will turn out. This is the time to accelerate our efforts. 

Our Victory effort is an incredible example of coordination between the State Party, the McKenna campaign, the Congressional campaigns, the local counties and the State House and Senate caucuses. When the RNC and Romney campaigns told us this spring they would provide no money for Victory, Peter and Caleb put together this collaborative effort and we raised the money needed. I am very proud of them and thankful for all the parties working together in this effort, for all of the staff and volunteers as well.

We still need volunteers!

Family Fun This Morning

Hi friends!

The ROMNEY/RYAN "Wave Across Washington" event is this morning, Oct. 20th from 9am - 10am. We will be meeting in the northeast corner of the LOWE's parking lot in Pasco. We will be sign waving on the overpass and at the rd. 68 and Burden intersection. I've been informed by a republican police officer that while we can't "loiter" on the overpass, we can walk across it over and over!! 

Bring your signs, wear your red, white and blue, and invite your friends and family to join us in encouraging our community to vote ROMNEY/RYAN!! I will bring some yard signs for waving if you don't have one. I can also bring ROMNEY shirts for those of you who would like to wear/buy one ($10). Thank you all so much for your continued help and support. Hope to see you there!! 

Stephanie Swanberg
546-1613 cell

Romney Vows to Donate His Salary if Elected

Republican Mitt Romney said Tuesday he would likely donate his salary to charity if elected president, a financial freedom he described as a byproduct of a successful business career. 

"I never anticipated that I'd be as financially successful as I was, and then my business went far better than I expected it would," Romney told a woman at a Liberty Mutual office in Dover, N.H., when she asked if millionaire candidates could resolve government problems in Washington. "I wouldn't disqualify somebody by virtue of their financial wealth or their financial poverty," Romney added. "I would instead look at their record, what they've done with their life and whether they can make a difference, whether the things they have learned will enable them to be an effective leader."

Read This Refreshing Full Story is > HERE

(Mitt Romney did not take a salary while serving as MA Governor)

Message From Franklin County Committeewoman

Dear Franklin County PCO’s and Volunteers,

The time to find Republican Voters from our precinct lists is over and the time to get Republicans out to vote is here. According to today’s national polls, Romney is up to 52% and Obama is now at 45%, BUT, we must not relax. On www.UnSkewedPolls.com, Washington State has Obama at 51% and Romney is at 46%. That’s really close, and what we do in Eastern Washington could, not only add to Presidential numbers, but could change the face of our state. \

I’m sure you all agree that it’s about time to elect a Republican Governor and have Republican Leaders in Olympia. By Tuesday October 23rd, (or sooner) you should all receive your first voter update from your Section Captain on who has voted early for this election. The second update will come a week later, by October 30th. They will be in Excel files. If you cannot get an Excel file, please let your Section Captain know so he/she can find another way to get your precinct information to you. 

Section Captains:
Florentino Gutierrez – Section I Captain 1-3; 5-15; 17-18; 42, 44 – Phone: 539-9259
Patricia Yuhant – Section II Captain 16; 19-28; 35 – Phone: 554-0046
Brad Gregory – Section III Captain 29-34; 36-41; 43 – Phone: 531-3529
Don Thompson – Section IV Captain 45-58 – Phone: 547-8613
Jan Barron – Section V Captain 59-65; 68 – Phone: 545-5442
Jim Follansbee – Section VI Captain 4; 66-67; 69-70; 72-76; 98-100 – Phone: 545-4667
Cheryl Cox – Section VII Captain 77-97; 101 – Phone: 509-760-9587

When you get your Excel file, compare them with your PDF file(s) and the data you were able to find. Then mark off all of those voters who have voted. Those that are left, who are Republican, Lean Republican or who told you they would probably vote Republican, are the voters you will be watching. It will be time to start calling the Republican voters in your precinct who have not voted by November 1st. Halloween will be over – It will be time to “get real” and save our country, and State, from the liberals who have nearly destroyed it.

For those who have some uncommitted hours, now, or especially from October 29-31 to November 1-6, Brad Hansen, (Director) at the Victory Call Center, needs your help. This get-out-to vote effort is VERY important, and especially the last 9 days to the election. Email Brad at brad@dochastings.com, call him at 509-595-4683 or just drop by at 4415 Clearwater Ave in Kennewick to get on the schedule or help if a phone is not in use. The center is open 9 am to 9 pm Monday-Saturday and 9 am to 1 pm on Sundays. I will send other emails and communications as needed in the next few weeks

Brenda High, Franklin County State Committeewoman

Rob McKenna for Governor "You know me"

Please go and visit McKenna's website > HERE

Endorsements for Rob McKenna keep coming in from all over WA State!

Message From Our Franklin County Auditor

Auditor Matt Beaton has sent out a personal message for Franklin County Voters. Vote it.. Sign it.. Send it.. 

"The new campaign "Vote it, Sign it, Send it!" was created to remind citizens elections have consequences and their preferences won't be considered unless they return the ballot. In 2004, the Governor's race with over 3 million cast the winning difference was 129. A video was developed to emphasize the actions people need to take to get their ballot filled out and voice heard." ~ Matt Beaton, Franklin County Auditor

Click > Here to view..

Franklin Needs Additional Observers

To Franklin County,

This General Election is vitally important. It is necessary that the ballots are carefully and accurately tabulated. We are invited to observe the process at the Auditor’s Election Center located at the Annex, 116 N 3rd Avenue in Pasco. 

John Pietrusiewicz has agreed to again be the FCRCC official observer at the Auditor’s Election Center. He needs additional observers to assist him. A copy of the schedule is > Here. 

Please consider helping by assisting in this important project. If it suits you to do so please call John at 547-5031 for scheduling. 

Curtis Mohr,
Chairman Franklin County Republican Central Committee